healthy building

Increased Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Creates New Health Issues

by Gregg Brazel

ehr-lüm eco-news

January 6, 2006

EVANSTON IL - Over the past three decades, advances in construction technologies and methodologies have made building envelopes much tighter.  That is, the building's outer skin (or envelope or shell) allows much less air infiltration, and consequently many fewer "air changes" per hour.

Air infiltration was drastically cut by design in response to the need for increased energy efficiency - in turn driven by the high energy costs, high outdoor air pollution levels, and the creation of the EPA and Clean Air Act in the early 1970's.  Since much more heat loss occurs via uncontrolled air flow than through radiation or convection through the walls, windows, and roof combined, it is logical to address this problem first to minimize heat/energy loss.

But the solution of reducing air infiltration poses a new problem: indoor air quality is lowered, creating health issues related to increased levels of respiratory irritants and carcinogens that are trapped indoors and suspended in the building's air.

As many 'old-line' building products like paint, carpet, plywood, et al contain toxins such as petrochemicals, formaldehyde, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), indoor air contains these chemicals in amounts up to one hundred times that of outdoor air.

Per the EPA, "The term 'sick building syndrome' (SBS) is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. In contrast, the term 'building related illness' (BRI) is used when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants."  <full article here>

The good news: the green-building industry is responding with air filters and natural products that contain little to no VOCs or other materials which "off-gas" chemicals that are hazardous when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.  

People considering new homes, additions, or remodeling may want to consider using some of these green building products in order to improve the health of the inhabitants.  Studies also show that green buildings yield higher market values, making the decision to build healthy for humans and the environment an easy one.

And to top it off, many of these new products are architecturally appealing, making a strong design statement on their own.  So, what's to lose?

______________________

As a sidebar, most commercial cleaning products also contain high VOC content, and it is recommended to switch to natural solvents such as citrus and vinegar to improve indoor air quality.  These can be home remedies, or purchased from companies like seventh generation.